WATCH: Sipho is a gift to Southerners

Turffontein resident Sipho Shiba believes in the young talent of the South.

He said it all started the day he was passing Rotunda Park and saw young boys playing soccer. He approached them to become their coach, and the rest is history.

“They told me Siphiwe Ntombela was their mentor. My timing was perfect, as it was the time during which a formation of a local league in the neighbourhood was taking place,” explained Shiba.

Where it all began

A meeting of the clubs participating in the Southern Central League was held, where Shiba was elected as the interim chairperson in 2021. He was also the coach of the Black Aces u-11, u-13, u-15 and u-17 teams.

“In the beginning, we faced challenges as we didn’t have soccer balls, kit or any other soccer accessories. We soldiered on.

“Our first game was against Corinthians FC, making use of bibs. The boys had stage fright and we lost in all four divisions. I saw potential and that’s how we ushered into the new league in March last year,” he said.

At the time, the u-11 team played to a two-all draw against Greenhouse FC, while the u-13s lost 3-0 to Corinthians and the u-17s were defeated 9-2 by Black Destroyers. The u-15s were impressive, drawing 1-1 with Gardens FC.

The results were expectant as most of the players competed for the first time in an organised league.

“The boys soon got used to league football. During a school event in September last year in Rotunda Par, we won all the divisions except the u-13.

“There were two other tournaments we played in and faired well. One of our teams played in a final against Mzansi Academy, losing on penalties.

“The u-11s finished third, u-13s fourth, u-15s second, and the u-17 side finished second in the league,” noted Shiba.

This year’s goals

He has invited members of the community around Rotunda Park to be part of the club.

“We are going to elect the board, which will consist of technical staff (coaches), the community and the parents.
“The community needs to come on board, as we don’t have proper soccer balls, training equipment and soccer kit except that was donated to us by one of the parents. The players still had to buy the shorts and socks.

“We are looking for donations or for a sponsor to come on board. All our players are learners.

“For now, our colours are yellow and black tops, black and white shorts with white socks. However, we will appreciate any colour of the soccer kit. We have about 68 players,” he said.

Sipho’s passion

He used to play in the second-highest league in the country, the OK League (now Glad Africa Championship).

“I played for Swaraj United in Lenasia. I was the understudy goalkeeper to the great Nelson Still and played with the likes of Mike Lambert and Philemon Mohaneloa. Soccer is my life. I love it and I want to impart my knowledge on the youngsters in the South,” he said.

Some of Sipho’s achievements

• Won local junior golf championship – 1982

• Played goalkeeper for the school first team – 1987

• Won Soweto District Soccer League – 1993

• Played in the National First Division (OK League) – 1993

• Successfully organised Sipho Shiba Promotions Soccer Games and Beauty Contest – 1997

• Coordinated soccer matches at the Masakhane Games (Masakhane Art’s Festival) – 2001

• Coached Johannesburg Water soccer team that won the Joburg Employees Soccer League in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011

• Successfully coordinated soccer tournament for water utilities Joburg Water, Rand Water, Metsi a Lekwa and Sedibeng, and Joburg Water won 2011

• Joined Black City Aces Football Club as u-15 and u-17 coach in 2020

• Elected as interim chairman of newly formed Southern Central League 2021